The Toyota Supra returns… from a certain point of view

At least Toyota is committed to reviving the well-love, well-feared nameplate. We missed you, Supra

Christopher Ng

7 Mar 2018

Of all the unveils and launches and teases that happened during the 2018 Geneva Motor Show’s day one, this car is quite possibly the show stealer. Sorry BMW M8, you look absolutely stunning and is the best Adrian van Hooydonk has ever pulled from his genius mind, but it is the Toyota Supra that we really wanted.

However, a production Toyota Supra we didn’t get. Instead, what we have here is a concept by Gazoo Racing called the GR Supra Racing Concept. The people who attend the press conference were told that Toyota will turn the concept into a road-going production model. Toyota has done this before with the Lexus LFA. Remember?

While what you see is a race car, you can almost imagine what the upcoming Supra will be like. All you need to do is replace that massive GT rear wing with a wing from the last Supra. Then sand down slightly those over-flared wheel arches and you’ll have something that Toyota might happily produce.

Since we are speculating, let’s also roll the dice and say that the production car’s engine will be some form of the new Dynamic Force Engine, Toyota new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot, highly-tuned to produce upwards of 280hp. The transmission will likely be an 8-speed automatic, but let’s not discount Toyota using their new 6-speed manual gearboxes for sportier Supras. Remember, all of this is just wild speculation.

As for official details, there are none. Instead, the press release has details on the Racing Concept although it isn’t much.

But if you must know, the GR Supra Racing Concept is constructed from lightweight composite materials especially used on the wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings, the rear wing and the hood, which wears louvred air inlets. Windscreens and windows are made of plastic.

Original equipment (OE) components are recruited for the lowered front and rear suspension. Michelin racing tyres wrap around BBS Racing wheels with a centre-nut provides the grip and Brembo callipers and discs are responsible for stopping the race car.

Since this is a race car, the interior is stripped and reinforced with a roll cage and fire extinguisher to meet competition standards.

There’s some consolation to be had but only if you have a Sony PS4 and Gran Turismo Sport loaded. The GR Supra Racing Concept will come with the game’s new update, which is slated to release in April this year. For the rest of us, there's the gallery to enjoy.